A performance to turn heads, to force Division Two defences into sitting up and taking notice.

Boro smashed five past sorry Donny; Clough scored four of them and set up the other.

Cliff Mitchell was fortunate enough to be watching on from the press box at Ayresome Park that day and the Gazette’s Boro reporter was convinced Clough was the man to strike the goals to launch a promotion push.

"Chances come to every team in every match," he wrote.

"Whether or not they are converted means the difference between success and failure.

"There are forwards who are brilliant at working the ball, but who fall down repeatedly when the final touch is required.

"That type of forward has often worn the red jersey of Middlesbrough FC in the post-war years.

"We welcome now, a forward who can work the ball, move it to the advantage of his colleagues and who also possesses the priceless gift of marksmanship.

"Yes, Clough’s the name. And if anyone can shoot Middlesbrough back into the First Division, it is this 22-year-old Teessider."

Mitchell went on: "His four goals last night; his making of the fifth; his torturing of a Doncaster defence that developed 'Cloughitis' and never recovered, all hardened the view of most Borough supporters that the club boasts England’s leader of the near future and a player worthy to follow in the tradition of the great Borough centre forwards of the past.

"Clough can learn yet; but what a brilliant prospect he is. At 22, the soccer world is at his feet."

Brian Clough, former Middlesbrough player and retired manager, returns to Ayresome Park, to celebrate the 75th Birthday of Boro Legend George Hardwick, February 1995.

He did exactly that - learnt.

Never stopped educating himself on the game he loved, the game in which he graced as a prolific striker and later as one of the finest manager to have ever lived.

He was unable to fire Boro to promotion that year. The team finished seventh, 11 points adrift of second spot.